Israel has a long established policy of assassinating individuals who present some sort of opposition to the existence of Israel, there is no denial of this. The question however is, is this legal? Is this acceptable? Should it be done?
Legally the argument can swing both ways, but the general consensus seems to be that assassination is illegal under international law. I gathered some interesting sources for this matter below. I believe it's illegal, but I believe this does not particularily matter to Israel.
An oldie but a goodie:
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/se...isra-s07.shtml
Good general summary:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/1258187.stm
The UN disapproves:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.as...=palestin&Cr1=
But (more importantly) the US approves:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0323-11.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse....rticle5957.htm
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/aug2001/isr-a10.shtml
The UN Charter says:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Article 51
Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.
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And the UN Charter also says:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by UN Charter
...in peacetime, the citizens of a nation, whether they are political officials or private individuals...[are supposed to be immune]...from intentional acts of violence by citizens, agents or military forces of another nation.”
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The Fourth Geneva Convention also frowns upon this:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/articles/REI403B.html
http://domino.un.org/unispal.nsf/0/e...8?OpenDocument
PS: I would have posted this in the Middle East section, but that place sees as much action as a graveyard.